2025 Shouning Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)

Taking your parents to slow-paced, sparsely populated off-the-beaten-path small towns is a very warm and meaningful trip. It completely avoids crowds and noise, focusing on family companionship and experience. Core Principles (Must-Read for Traveling with Parents) 1. Smooth Transportation: Avoid long continuous rides as much as possible; choose the easiest way point-to-point, prioritizing chartered cars or self-driving. 2. Stable Accommodation: Choose quiet, clean hotels or high-quality homestays with complete facilities, preferably with elevators to avoid climbing stairs in old buildings. 3. Relaxed Itinerary: Follow the principle of “half a day for sightseeing, half a day for rest,” arranging no more than 1-2 attractions per day, leaving enough time for lunch breaks and daydreaming. 4. Dietary Adaptation: Learn in advance whether the local food is too spicy or stimulating; when ordering for parents, focus on light, easily digestible local specialties. 5. Constant Communication: Always pay attention to parents’ physical condition; rest when tired, no rushing, no ticking off spots. --- Plan One: Fujian-Zhejiang Borderline · Dream Journey of Mountain and Water Ancient Towns This route combines mountains, water, ancient villages, tea fields, and islands, with stunning scenery and rich cultural heritage. The pace is very slow throughout, perfect for parents who enjoy tranquility and history. Three Small Towns: Taishun, Zhejiang - Shouning, Fujian - Qiaodun, Cangnan, Zhejiang (Qiaodun and Xiaguan Towns) Itinerary (Recommended 5-6 days) · Day 1: Arrive in Wenzhou, drive to Taishun County (about 2 hours) · Afternoon: Check in to a hot spring hotel in Sixi Town or Yayang Town, Taishun (such as Yulongshan Hot Spring Resort or Lianyun Valley Hot Spring). After a long journey, soaking in a warm radon hot spring is an excellent way to relax. · Evening: Enjoy a light farmhouse meal near the hotel and rest early. · Day 2: Taishun · Dreaming of Covered Bridges · Morning: Sleep in naturally. Then visit the “World’s Most Beautiful Covered Bridges,” Beijian Bridge and Xidong Bridge. The two bridges are close to each other, surrounded by ancient trees and old paths, perfect for slow walks and photography. · Afternoon: After lunch break, head to Kucun Ancient Village. This is a thousand-year-old town built with stones, almost uncommercialized, inhabited only by locals and traces of time, so quiet you can hear the wind. · Dinner: Taste Taishun specialties: loach soup, green tofu, smoked cured rabbit, etc. · Day 3: Taishun - Shouning - Qiaodun, Cangnan · Morning: Drive to Shouning County, Fujian (about 1.5 hours). The destination is Xipu Village, a beautiful village known as “Covered Bridge Water Town, Hometown of Top Scholars.” The village has a dozen ancient bridges, flowing water, and ancient banyan trees providing shade, very suitable for leisurely strolls. · Afternoon: Drive to Qiaodun Town, Cangnan County, Zhejiang (about 1 hour). Check in to a nearby homestay. If energy permits, visit Wanyao Ancient Village (a handmade porcelain village hidden deep in the mountains, with few elderly residents, very original). · Dinner: Must-try Qiaodun mooncakes (freshly baked large mooncakes with sweet and savory flavors) and local stir-fried rice noodles. · Day 4: Cangnan · Mountain and Sea Romance · Morning: Visit Puzhuang Suocheng. This is one of the best-preserved Ming Dynasty anti-pirate coastal fortresses in China. Residents still live inside, full of life atmosphere, and walking around the city wall offers excellent views. · Afternoon: Drive to Xiaguan Town, known as “Zhejiang’s End of the Earth.” This blue-and-white town resembles Santorini, nestled by mountains and sea with beautiful scenery. You can slowly walk along the old street, see old buildings, and find a seaside teahouse to drink tea and enjoy the breeze. · Dinner: Have the freshest seafood feast in Xiaguan. · Day 5: Leisurely Return · In the morning, you can take another look at the sea in Xiaguan or take a walk on Yuliao Big Beach (almost no one there on non-holidays), then drive back to Wenzhou Airport/High-Speed Rail Station at a relaxed pace. 🚄 Pre-Trip Preparation and Tips 1. Transportation: Self-driving or chartered cars are preferred. Public transportation is inconvenient in these off-the-beaten-path places; self-driving ensures maximum comfort and flexibility for parents. Book in advance on platforms like Zuzuche. 2. Accommodation: Book highly rated hotels or homestays in advance on platforms, paying special attention to keywords like “quiet,” “clean,” and “good service.” Priority can be given to places with hot springs, courtyards, or scenic views. 3. Gear: · Prepare comfortable hiking shoes and casual jackets for parents. · A small medical kit: include stomach medicine, cold medicine, motion sickness pills, band-aids, and their regular medications. · Thermos cup! Almost every parent has one; having hot water on the road will make them feel very reassured. 4. Mental Preparation: Give parents a “heads-up” in advance, explaining that the places we are going to are quiet, without the hustle and bustle of big cities, mainly for relaxation and seeing different scenery, so they have psychological expectations and anticipation. 5. Photography: Take lots of photos and group shots of your parents; these will be a source of joy and conversation for them for a long time to come.

#chinatravel About three hours from Fuzhou, Xiadan Village in Shouning County offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Its most famous landmark, the Luanfeng Bridge, dates back to the Ming dynasty and was rebuilt in 1800 during the Qing era. Today, it remains the longest single-span wooden arch corridor bridge in China. Unlike the white walls and black tiles of Huizhou architecture, Xiadan’s yellow walls and dark roofs showcase Ningde’s distinct charm. Strolling through the village feels like walking into a living painting, where history, tradition, and scenic tranquility intertwine.

During our visit to Shouning County, we explored some breathtaking spots perfect for capturing unforgettable moments. If you’re planning a trip, here are three must-visit locations we highly recommend! North Peak Cloud Sea 🌄 We visited North Peak early in the morning and were rewarded with a mesmerizing cloud sea rolling over the mountains. The best time to go is at sunrise when the golden light illuminates the mist, creating a dreamlike landscape. It’s a peaceful spot where you can take stunning panoramic shots. Definitely a must-visit for photography lovers! 📍 Address: North Peak, Shouning County, Fujian, China Changqiao Covered Bridge 🌉 Exploring this historic covered bridge felt like stepping back in time. The intricate wooden architecture and the river flowing beneath make it a fantastic place for photos, especially in the late afternoon when the soft sunlight enhances its beauty. We recommend visiting just before sunset for the best lighting. 📍 Address: Changqiao Covered Bridge, Shouning County, Fujian, China Jiuli Stream Waterfall 💦 This hidden gem was one of our favorite spots! We hiked through lush greenery to reach the waterfall, and the sight was absolutely worth it. The best time to visit is around midday when the sunlight filters through the trees, creating a magical atmosphere. We highly recommend bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the full beauty of the waterfall! 📍 Address: Jiuli Stream Waterfall, Shouning County, Fujian, China If you’re visiting Shouning County, these three locations should be on your list. We had an amazing time, and we’re sure you will too! 📷✨ #discoverchina #travel #vacation

"That person is walking with a mahjong table on his head!" Duoduo pointed at the top scholar's hexagonal official hat. Amidst the sound of gongs and drums, the procession of successful candidates with their flowing sleeves passed by the thousand-year-old camphor tree. Old Chen was busy explaining, "This village has produced eighteen successful candidates, even more impressive than your Lego castle!" Duoduo was handed a brush and tried to write the character 'Kui' on red paper, but the ink turned into a black sun. The old man selling sugar paintings joked, "Little heroine, you're writing in a secret script!" Suddenly, the top scholar handed over some pastries, and the little girl hid behind my skirt in fear, "Will he test me on the Three Hundred Tang Poems?" As the sun set, we left through the Chasing the Moon Lane. Duoduo wore a willow wreath as a top scholar's hat, shouting Confucian phrases all the way. Old Chen, carrying the sleeping little scholar on his back, smiled wryly, "Great, now even her sleep talk will be in couplets."

The Shengping Bridge is more than three hundred meters in the direction of Chanxi downstream, which is the Xiangong Bridge. The Xiangong Bridge was originally built during the Tianshun period of the Ming Dynasty (1457-1464), and in the fourteenth year of the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty (1749), it was destroyed by water along with the Zilai Bridge and the Shengping Bridge. It was rebuilt in the thirty-second year (1767) (some say the forty-third year). The most distinctive feature of the Xiangong Bridge is the three octagonal spires on the roof, which are relatively rare in the border area of Fujian and Zhejiang, and somewhat similar to the Yunlong Bridge in western Fujian. The actual full name of the Xiangong Bridge is the Maxiangong Bridge, and the deity worshiped inside the bridge is Ma Xian, which can be said to be a bridge 'exclusively named' after Ma Xian. The Ma Xian belief is quite prevalent in eastern Fujian and southern Zhejiang, with similar examples being the Rulong Bridge in Qingyuan. Covered bridges in the local area are no longer just a simple means of road passage, but also a place for social interaction with others and communication with deities.

Wow! You heard right, Xiadang Village is the only treasure in Shouning County that was listed in the third batch of traditional Chinese villages in 2014! Imagine, this village faces Xiuzhu Creek, built against the mountain, with houses stacked layer upon layer, like a well-arranged painting. Among the green mountains and rivers, wooden arch bridges span across the stream, it's simply a beautiful scene of 'corridor, flowing water, and homes'! And speaking of Xiadang Village, how can we not mention Luanfeng Bridge? This bridge is the business card of Xiadang, and also the crystallization of the hard work and wisdom of the villagers in ancient times! It was built in the Ming Dynasty and was rebuilt in 1800. It is the largest single-span wooden arch gallery bridge known in the world, with both form and connotation of great artistic charm and practical value! Not only that, Xiadang Creek is like a dazzling necklace, connecting the historical and cultural buildings around Luanfeng Bridge, such as Xiadang Ancient Village, Wenchang Pavilion, Wang's Ancestral Hall, Longkeng Creek Stone Arch Bridge, Fushan Guanyin Hall, Ma Xian Palace, etc. Imagine, these buildings are placed in deep gullies, lush mountains, and green streams, it's simply breathtakingly beautiful! Also, Wenchang Pavilion is the cultural and educational building of Xiadang Village, where the Wang's children studied hard in the old days. This pavilion is three stories high, facing south to north, built in the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty, with an octagonal double-eave spire, a penetrating beam frame, it's simply antique! The most magical thing is that on the opposite bank of the village, there is a rock standing straight in the pool against the mountain, more than 20 meters high, with white texture evenly wrapped around three circles, the rock is hollow, shaped like a rice steamer, so the villagers call it Rice Steamer Rock. Whenever there is a flash flood, the torrent hits the rock, and mist will burst out from the belly of the rock, just like the steam emitted when steaming rice, it's simply magical! It is said that this stone has a spirit, indicating a thriving population! How about it? Can't wait to explore Xiadang Village? Come on a trip on a whim, the beautiful scenery and historical and cultural buildings of Xiadang Village will definitely make your trip worthwhile!

📖History of Xiadang Village Xiadang Village was originally named Dangchuan, and was later divided into Shangdang and Xiadang due to its terrain. Xia Dang Township, where he is located, was once a particularly impoverished township in Ningde. In the past, it was synonymous with a "five-no township", meaning no roads, no running water, no electric lighting, no fiscal revenue, and no government offices. Xiadang Village still retains its original flavor and was selected as the seventh batch of China's famous historical and cultural villages in 2019. ⛰️Tourist attractions ◎Wenchang Pavilion This was the place where the people of Xia Dang studied in the past. It was built to commemorate Emperor Wenchang. It is also an excellent place to overlook the whole picture of Xia Dang Village. There is also a poverty alleviation "customized tea garden" around it, which you can visit. ◎“Unforgettable Xiadang” Theme Pavilion The museum carries the history of Xia Dang. Various old objects and historical introductions displayed in the museum show the difficult journey of Xia Dang from a "five-no township" to its current brand new look. ◎Luanfeng Bridge This landmark building of Xia Dang, spanning green mountains and clear waters, was first built in the Ming Dynasty and rebuilt in the fifth year of Jiaqing in the Qing Dynasty (1800). It is the wooden arch bridge with the longest single-arch span in the country. The arch span is 37.6 meters, 0.58 meters longer than the Zhaozhou Bridge, the largest stone arch bridge in China. In 2006, Luanfeng Bridge was listed as a national key cultural relic protection site. ◎Fanzheng Rock It is named because the rock looks like a rice steamer, which is a cooking utensil used by the people to steam rice. It is said that in ancient times this place was rich in spiritual energy, which indicated that Xia Dang Village would be prosperous and have a wealthy life. Therefore, in the Qing Dynasty, there appeared a situation of "five generations living under one roof" and "hundreds of people living together" living in harmony. ◎"Wujin Pottery" Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience Hall Shouning Wujin pottery is black and thick, with words or patterns engraved on the body of the bottle, which resembles ancient inscriptions. They have beautiful shapes, some elegant, some with rough lines. They are one of the important varieties of Fujian arts and crafts. The production process is original in China, and the production materials also come from Shouning. In 2019, the Wujin Zisha Pottery Making Technique (Shouning) was selected into the sixth batch of provincial intangible cultural heritage representative project list. ◎Salon Oil Painting Studio If you like painting or have artistic talent, the Country Salon Oil Painting Studio here allows you to display your works to your heart's content, and you can also communicate and create with other oil painting enthusiasts. ◎Night view and morning view If you stay here, the night view of Xia Dang Village is worth seeing, as if you are in a water village in the south of the Yangtze River. Wake up early in the morning and stroll through the village alleys facing the rising sun. The air is fresh and the silence is comfortable. 📷Must-visit attractions Wenchang Pavilion, Luanfeng Bridge, "Unforgettable Xiadang" Theme Pavilion, Night and Morning Scenes If time permits, you can stop by to visit Beikeng Village and Yangxiotou Village, which are only a 10-minute drive from Xiadang Village, especially Beikeng Village and the covered bridge. 🏠Accommodation There are 9 homestays with 52 rooms in the village, all of which were converted from ancient dwellings. They are uniformly named, managed and priced according to the house numbers, such as No. 68, No. 71, No. 85, etc. 🥢Dining There are restaurants and teahouses in the village, where you can taste the authentic home-cooked dishes common in Shouning, such as golden silk buttons, rice cakes, potato cakes, pork belly wrapped duck, bamboo shoots, stream fish, etc. 🎫Tickets No tickets are required, it is open all year round and you can visit in all seasons. 🚘Transportation Guide Self-driving: After exiting the "Shouning" highway, navigate to "Xia Dang Village". The drive takes about 1 hour. It is best to have mountain driving experience. Public transportation: "Shouning Bus Station - Xiadang" shuttle bus, the journey takes about 1 hour, the ticket price is 17 yuan; Remember to pay attention to the last return bus time. For specific departure times, please refer to the real-time information of the bus station.

It belongs to Ningde City, Fujian Province, located in the northeast of Fujian Province, with a permanent population of 174,000. The regional GDP is 11.142 billion. Located at the junction of Fujian and Zhejiang, it has always been known as the "gateway of two provinces and the thoroughfare of five counties". The county was established in the sixth year of Jingtai in the Ming Dynasty (1455). It is a red hometown, where the temporary provincial committee of Fujian and Zhejiang and the Soviet government of Eastern Fujian were located. Old revolutionaries such as Su Yu, Ye Fei, and Fan Shi Ren once led revolutionary struggles here; it is a cultural hometown, where Feng Menglong, a famous literary and drama writer of the Ming Dynasty, once served as the county magistrate of Shouning; it is a hometown of covered bridges, with 19 existing wooden arch covered bridges, awarded the title of "Hometown of Chinese Wooden Arch Covered Bridge Culture"; it is an ecological hometown, where Yangmeizhou Canyon National Forest Park and Ancient Silver Mine National Geological Park are built, awarded the titles of National Ecological Civilization Construction Demonstration County, China's Natural Oxygen Bar, and China's Longevity Village; it is a hometown of tea, where "Shouning High Mountain Tea" was selected into the second batch of national agricultural product geographical indication protection projects, and has been awarded the titles of "China's Top 100 Tea Counties", "National Key Tea Producing County", "National Ecological Tea Producing County", and has been awarded the certificate and sign of "World's Longevity Village".

Thousand-year-old village, the hometown of the champion - Shouning Xipu, another kind of bridge bridge water town is good scenery. The flowing water, the willows swaying in the wind, is like a colorful landscape painting. Xipu, an ancient village with more than 1,000 years of history, has been in the history of the Tang Dynasty since its inception in the Tang Dynasty. Xipu Village was built in the middle of the river. The villagers built a long strip of slabs in the stream, stepping into the stream, the sound of water flowing, and the sound was deafening. The stream is crystal clear, and the small fish in the stream swims in the water cheerfully. This mountain has a scene, a grass and a thing, all of which are deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. The tea trees in the mountains and plains began to sprout, slowly moving to the village, and the ancient corridor bridge leaps into the eye. In particular, Yuzhong has entered the paradise, making people forget to return. If you can live here for a while, your body and mind will be comfortable.